The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has cautioned against sweeping allegations of corruption directed at the judiciary, warning that such attacks could erode public trust and undermine the rule of law.
Speaking on Wednesday at the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed judges of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kekere-Ekun said while constructive criticism is welcome in a democracy, indiscriminate denunciations of judges are unfair and damaging.
“It has become fashionable in some quarters to deploy blanket allegations of corruption against the institution as a whole. While constructive criticism is legitimate in a constitutional democracy, indiscriminate denunciation is neither fair nor responsible,” she said.
The CJN stressed that corruption claims must be evidence-based and channelled through established complaint mechanisms. She warned that reckless rhetoric not only tarnishes individual reputations but also weakens the judiciary’s authority.
“A judge who has served with integrity should not be made to stand under a cloud created by reckless rhetoric,” she added.
Kekere-Ekun acknowledged that the judiciary does not claim infallibility, assuring that misconduct would be addressed firmly and transparently. She noted that the National Judicial Council (NJC) remains vigilant and will discipline any judicial officer found guilty of wrongdoing.
The CJN highlighted reforms in judicial appointments, saying the latest selection process was one of the most rigorous in history. For the first time, shortlisted candidates’ names were published, and members of the public were invited to submit comments on their integrity and suitability.
“This measure reflects a conscious institutional commitment to transparency and accountability. Public confidence in the courts begins with confidence in the process by which judges emerge,” she said.
Addressing the newly sworn-in judges, Kekere-Ekun urged them to maintain discipline, courage, and mastery of their case files. She warned them to resist subtle pressures, whether social, political, financial, or relational, while noting that the Federal High Court increasingly handles complex cases in revenue, banking, maritime, and intellectual property.
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